Upcoming Closure and Traffic Shifts for I-85

Work on the Interstate 85 improvement project in Vance and Warren counties is requiring a series of traffic shifts and closures this coming week.

On Monday, May 7, I-85 northbound traffic will shift on a median crossover just north of U.S. 1. Traffic will be in a one-lane pattern in each direction until the northbound traffic crosses back over to the original northbound lanes near Manson Road. This last shift will allow crews to build the final northbound section of I-85, expected to be completed by mid-November 2018.

This last phase of improvements will close a trio of northbound ramps. The I-85 off and on-ramps at Flemingtown Road (Exit 220), and the on-ramp at Manson Road (Exit 223) will reopen as the project finishes in the fall.

Flemingtown Road will close on Wednesday, May 9, for two days while crews demolish the I-85 northbound bridge. I-85 southbound traffic will not be impacted because the I-85 southbound off-ramp to Flemingtown and on-ramp from Flemingtown will remain open. Flemingtown Road traffic will be detoured via U.S. 158, Jacksontown Road, and Jackson-Royster Roads.

This work is part of a $137.3-million project to improve I-85 between Dabney Road in Vance County and the Virginia state line. The work involves repairing the deteriorating road surface, as well as bridge replacements and improvements.

The project has travelers in a single-lane pattern in both directions for a lengthy stretch. That makes it very important for drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and leave extra space between their vehicle and the one in front of them for the safety of travelers and construction crews through the area.